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July 13, 2007

Willie Nelson - SDSU Open Air Theater - 7/12/07

There are few performers as iconic as Willie Nelson. From the long braid and cowboy hat, to the battered old guitar hanging by the red white and blue strap, and that VOICE. Man , there is only one WILLIE NELSON and I got to photograph him up close tonight.

Willienelson01

Let me go back to the beginning, Willie Nelson along with the 40 Points Band came to the San Diego State University Open Air theater tonight. The last time I saw Willie was many many years ago when he opened the show for Bob Dylan at the El Ray Theater in Los Angeles. That was a long time ago, and a very different type of show. Tonight was all about Willie, and his family. I arrived on campus ad made my way to the will call window. Waiting for me was a blue stripped wristband with www.willienelson.com printed on it and the word photo with the date hand written on the wristband. No ticket ? Oh Oh.. This was the first time that I have ever shot a band where I wasn't given a ticket into the venue. I was a little worried, but as I walked to the entrance, I saw a gate that was for pass holders. That looked promising, so thats where I went. I was ask to wait by security who went to get the Live Nation representative who would escort me into the venue and into the photo pit. Welcome to corporate America Rock and roll. Here are the rules. Two songs. Don't be an ass.
I can live with that.

First up was the 40 Points Band. The band includes LUKAS and MICAH Nelson. They are also part of Willies band, but this is their project.

40points
They took the stage promptly at 7 and played till 7:30. Thats Lukas standing playging guitar and on vocals with brother Micah on percussion.

After a 15 minute break, Willie walked out from the wings and wearing all black, including the hat, put on his guitar strap and picked up his guitar.

Willienelson02

The crowd went nuts. This was an older group, but they love this man. There were a lot of cowboy hats in all colors in attendance, from the big old stetson, to fashionable red ladies cowboy hats. But this crowd was here for one thing only, to hear the man. Willie stalked around the stage, pointing to the crowd, throwing up a peace sign, generally playing to the crowd.

Willienelson03

My two songs up front seemed to fly by. But thats the breaks, there were a lot of folks who would have paid a ton to trade spaces with me if only for a minute.
Those who wanted to, could purchase the show after it was all over, but in a little twist, they don't give it out on CDs, but on a usb drive.

Willieusb


One last look down on the stage.

Opeanair

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Comments

Butch Worrell

Willie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old Willie Fan here.
Love the photos and the story.

Corp RocknRoll America...
Did they make you check your cell phone after 2 songs? When I shot Willie at the Filmore I had to put my camera in coat check or leave.

binb

Very nice pics....I had no idea that Willie's kids had a band. I love the USB thing too....cool idea.

Patrick Richardson(Patrick in Tally)

Nice shots and I agree the USB thing is a awesome idea.

Linda

Great photos; thanks so much.

The boys, 40 points, album will be out in August. They have a nice myspace at www.myspace.com/40points

Linda

Robin

Two songs. Don't be an ass. Classic.

Excellent shots Alan.

~Thanks

Jerry Roskin

Awesome Willie Nelson Band Photos. Amazing to think you took them with a cell phone camera! Pretty cool project...keep up the great work.

denaz

There is nothing like a willie show!!!

Lilli

Great photos! He also has a new greatest hits cd out. "16 Biggest Hits." Check it out.

tiffany silver

When I was in my late teens a friend of mine, an elite athlete, gave me the most profound yet simple advice that changed the way I would view myself forever. He told me "You yourself have to think you're great because no one else is going to tell you that you are."

Canada Goose Jackets

A great man .Thank you for your post.

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